There are days when the last thing you want to do is be studying. Maybe you’re burned out from a hectic week, or maybe you’ve been away for a few days and having a difficult time getting back into the groove of things. Whatever the case may be, here are a few tips to help you get started back onto your studying track!
Make a List
If you are a visual processor, it may be helpful to sit down and write (or type) out a list of exactly what you need to be working on. It could be a topic list, it could be a to-do list. Whatever helps you categorize what you need to focus on!
Make a Plan
Next, make a plan. This can be a schedule such as “Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 9am to 10am I will go through the Neuroscience qbank” or “Each day for 15 minutes I’m going to read up on Developmental disorders”. It can also be a plan for a goal like “I will be able to complete the Bipolar qbank in Test Mode perfectly by July 1st”. This is to give you an orientation for your list to help take steps to accomplish the goals.
Make Baby Steps
It’s important to not expect yourself to jump in at 100%. If you’ve been in a rut, you need to ease yourself back into your habits and expectations. Start small, if necessary, by doing timed increments each day. Eventually you can increase those increments to make bigger strides in what you’re working towards.
Make it FUN!
Finally, give yourself rewards as you go. It’s OK! If you have something to look forward to, you’re more likely to complete the tasks at hand. Maybe that reward is going to get your favorite treat once you’ve successfully gone through a chapter of a book. Or taking a hot bath at the end of the day with a glass of wine. Find small things you can do for yourself that encourages you to keep going. It doesn’t have to be all work 🙂
The important thing is to just get started. Once you get momentum, things will become easier!
Need some help?
Give our question banks a try- FREE- using our Free Trial! Or if you’re ready to take the plunge, check out our Question Banks and find the perfect fit for you! Or, contact us with any questions you have or ask about our STUDY GUIDES so we can get you on the right path today!
https://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/start-scaled.jpg15462560Mara Canenhttps://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logoMyPsychBoard.pngMara Canen2023-05-22 04:08:002023-05-18 16:22:25How to get started
If you’ve been on our platform recently, you may have noticed a few changes! Our user view of all qbanks have gotten a face-lift to improve user readability.
This change was spurred by a user contacting us to let us know what could make their experience better. And we listened! We want to take a minute to thank each and every one of you that have been using our qbanks and have taken the time to give us important feedback. We appreciate all of you, and hope to continue to provide excellent customer service and studying experiences for you!
If you haven’t seen our qbanks, you can give our question banks a try- FREE- using our Free Trial! Or if you’re ready to take the plunge, check out our Question Banks and find the perfect fit for you! Or, contact us with any questions you have so we can get you on the right path today!
https://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Brain-for-ad.png8171902Mara Canenhttps://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logoMyPsychBoard.pngMara Canen2023-05-15 05:44:002023-05-18 15:50:23What’s New with MyPsychBoard?
Studying can be a daunting task for many students, and there’s a stigma around how much time one should spend studying. Some believe that studying as much as possible is the key to getting good grades. This person might carry their books with them and cram in as much as they can every spare minute they have. Some others find that a last minute sweep over general content refreshes their recollection and gets them as ready as they need.
On one hand, the person cramming constantly may cover more material, but studying too much can lead to burnout and negatively impact one’s overall well-being. On the other hand, the person barely cracking open a book may find themselves sorely unprepared when test time comes. So, what’s the sweet spot?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the ideal amount of time to study varies from person to person and is dependent on various factors. Some research suggests that spaced-out studying over time and practice testing can improve retention and learning. However, it’s important to find a study routine that works for you, based on your personal learning style and schedule.
Instead of focusing solely on the amount of time you spend studying, it’s crucial to prioritize the quality of your study sessions. Active engagement with the material, such as quizzing yourself or practicing with flashcards, can be more effective than passive reading.
It’s also important to balance your academic work with other aspects of your life. Taking breaks and pursuing other interests outside of studying can help prevent burnout and promote overall well-being. Finding the right balance between studying and personal life is key to long-term success and happiness.
Ready to start studying?
Give our question banks a try- FREE- using our Free Trial! Or if you’re ready to take the plunge, check out our Question Banks and find the perfect fit for you! Or, contact us with any questions you have so we can get you on the right path today!
https://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/stigma-studying-scaled.jpg25601707Mara Canenhttps://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logoMyPsychBoard.pngMara Canen2023-05-01 14:46:402023-05-18 14:57:34The Answer is in: How much you NEED to study
Summer is here, the sun is shining, and who wants to be stuck inside? Unfortunately, the seasons don’t pay attention to our responsibilities. Studying can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating experience, especially when the weather is calling us to go do other things. It can be difficult to focus for extended periods, retain information, and stay motivated over time. However, with the right strategies and mindset, you can improve your efficiency and effectiveness as a student.
Here are some specific strategies that can help you become more efficient and effective at studying:
Set clear goals: Start by setting clear study goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This will give you a clear sense of direction and purpose as you approach your studies. (Check out our blog on exactly this topic!)
Plan your study sessions: Create a study schedule that fits with your daily routine and breaks down your study goals into manageable tasks. Use tools like calendars, planners, or apps to help you stay on track.
Minimize distractions: Find a quiet, well-lit space with comfortable seating and minimal distractions. Turn off your phone or other devices that may pull your attention away from studying.
Use study aids: Experiment with different study aids like flashcards, diagrams, or mnemonic devices to help you retain information more effectively.
Take breaks: To avoid burnout and maintain focus, take regular breaks every 30-45 minutes. During your breaks, do something relaxing like taking a walk or stretching.
Stay motivated: Keep yourself motivated by rewarding yourself for achieving study goals, visualizing success, and surrounding yourself with positive support systems.
To become more efficient at studying, it’s important to develop strategies that address these challenges directly. For example, planning your study sessions and breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks can help you stay focused and motivated. Creating a conducive study environment and using study aids can help you retain information more easily. Finally, taking regular breaks and staying positive can help you avoid burnout and stay motivated over time.
Ready to stay motivated this summer?
Give our question banks a try- FREE- using our Free Trial! Or if you’re ready to take the plunge, check out our Question Banks and find the perfect fit for you! Or, contact us with any questions you have so we can get you on the right path today!
https://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/study-in-summer-scaled.jpg17072560Mara Canenhttps://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logoMyPsychBoard.pngMara Canen2023-04-24 14:34:452023-05-18 14:46:24How to Keep Studying, Even in the Summer
https://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logoMyPsychBoard.png00Mara Canenhttps://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logoMyPsychBoard.pngMara Canen2023-04-17 14:23:312023-05-18 14:34:36Navigate Life Transitions Like A Pro
Developing good habits and implementing them into your daily routine is crucial for achieving success in all areas of your life. Habits are the small, repeated actions that we take each day that ultimately shape who we are and what we accomplish. Good habits are essential because they help us make progress towards our goals, improve our health and well-being, and increase our overall productivity. By developing good habits, we can create a framework for success that allows us to achieve our desired outcomes consistently.
Forming habits
How to go about forming habits is the most difficult part. In order to start making positive changes and pushing yourself to create these small, repeated action, you must first identify what areas of your life you want improvement in. This requires some honest self-reflection. After you’ve identified your areas to work on, it helps to create a step-by-step plan for executing the changes.
For example, if you want to improve your health and fitness, establishing a habit of regular exercise and healthy eating is crucial. If you want to advance in your career, developing a habit of continuous learning and taking action towards your goals is necessary. If you want to improve your relationships, cultivating habits of active listening, showing appreciation, and communicating effectively can make all the difference.
Consequences of good habits
Implementing good habits into your daily routine requires commitment, consistency, and a bit of effort. However, the benefits of developing good habits are well worth the investment. By creating a routine that includes good habits, you can increase your productivity, reduce stress, and improve your overall quality of life. Moreover, the benefits of good habits extend beyond just achieving your desired outcomes. Developing good habits can also help you develop self-discipline, build self-confidence, and increase your sense of control over your life. By establishing good habits, you can create a solid foundation for long-term success and happiness.
In conclusion, developing good habits and implementing them into your daily routine is essential for achieving success in all areas of your life. Good habits are the building blocks of success, and they can help you create the life you desire. By committing to developing good habits, you can create a framework for success that will support you throughout your journey.
Ready to learn more?
Give our question banks a try- FREE- using our Free Trial! Or if you’re ready to take the plunge, check out our Question Banks and find the perfect fit for you! Or, contact us with any questions you have so we can get you on the right path today!
https://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/good-habits.jpg96007680Mara Canenhttps://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logoMyPsychBoard.pngMara Canen2023-04-10 14:06:372023-05-18 14:23:28How To Build Good Habits
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions are recurrent thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive and unwanted, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that are applied to the obsessions (or other rules) that are rigidly followed.
Types of Obsessions and Compulsions
The types of obsessions and compulsions vary broadly, although there are common themes. Stereotypical OCD symptoms showcased in media are fear of contamination accompanied by compulsive cleaning (seen famously on the TV show Monk). Other common themes include symmetry (organizing, ordering, or counting compulsions), morality (sexual, aggressive, or religious based compulsions), or harm (checking compulsions for fear of harming others). These themes are seen globally across cultures with minor variances.
The performance of the compulsion is done in an attempt to mitigate anxiety or distress associated with the obsession. Individuals with OCD typically have an impending sense of doom if they don’t perform the compulsions, or they may believe something horrific will occur if they do not perform the tasks. The individual with this condition finds distress in their compulsions and obsessions and avoiding the compulsion or obsession can take up a significant amount of time. Because of this, they may avoid of people or certain places in order to avoid a trigger for a compulsion.
Realistically, the action and obsessions are not connected in any significant way. However, the extent that the individual believes this depends on their insight.
Insight
Insight refers to how well the individual recognizes the credibility of their beliefs. They may have good or fair insight in which they realize their disordered beliefs are definitely or most likely untrue; poor insight in which they think their obsessive compulsive beliefs are probably true; or absent insight in which they are completely convinced their disordered beliefs are true.
Prevalence and Transmission
The average age of onset is 19.5 years old, with a quarter of cases starting by the age of 14. Females tend to be affected slightly more than males in adulthood, while males are more affected in childhood. The prevalence in the U.S. is 1.2%, with similar prevalence rates seen globally. There is a 2x rate of familial transmission among first degree relatives with the condition compared to those without first degree relatives with the condition.
First Line Treatments
Treatment options for OCD generally includes psychotherapy and pharmaceuticals. These can be used exclusively or in combination with each other.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the first line treatment options for OCD. CBT is effective in treating OCD by helping the individual become aware of the cognitive distortions present that are leading to their compulsive behavior. Once identified, the clinician can work with the patient to untangle how the obsession and compulsion are not directly related and ultimately remove the desire to complete the compulsion when faced with a trigger.
In addition to standard CBT, there is another type of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) that can be highly effective in the treatment of OCD. With this type of therapy, the client is systematically exposed to gradually increasing levels of the trigger for their compulsions and assisted in learning how to reject the compulsion.
Pharmaceuticals
Mayo clinic reports the following antidepressants approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat OCD:
Clomipramine (Anafranil) for adults and children 10 years and older
Fluoxetine (Prozac) for adults and children 7 years and older
Fluvoxamine for adults and children 8 years and older
Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) for adults only
Sertraline (Zoloft) for adults and children 6 years and older
Additional Treatment Options
Other treatment options may be considered if first line treatments fail. These include Deep Brain Stimulation and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. These options are typically reserved for cases in which neither first line treatments have been found to be effective, and are generally used in patients over the age of 18. In both these treatment options, different neurological regions of the brain are stimulated using electrodes in order to suppress compulsive thoughts and behaviors.
Ready to learn more?
Give our question banks a try- FREE- using our Free Trial! Or if you’re ready to take the plunge, check out our Question Banks and find the perfect fit for you! Or, contact us with any questions you have so we can get you on the right path today!
In the field of psychiatry, talk therapy -or psychotherapy- is one of the hallmark services you can offer clients. Psychotherapy is an effective means of addressing various issues via multiple therapeutic modalities that can reap benefits (typically) without the use of pharmaceuticals. Finding the right “fit” between a client and therapist is a huge hurdle that many people find intimidating. Instead of taking the time to find the right person to work with, clients may either settle for the first therapist they try OR sign off on talk therapy as a bad experience. And while it CAN happen, the odds of the first therapist being the one they want to stick with is pretty small.
But talk therapy isn’t a one-way street. It’s a reciprocal relationship between you, the provider, and the client. We’re here to talk about how you can increase the odds of being the right “fit” for your clients in the event they’re one of those people that picked your name out of a hat and didn’t take the time to research your therapeutic approach, philosophy, or personality.
The Process of Choosing a Therapist, According to Google
Money
How do people decide on a therapist? A quick google search reveals 3 main avenues. Firstly, people are told to consider their finances. They’re told to choose a therapist depending on whether or not that provider accepts specific health insurance options, what billing looks like, figuring out a budget, etc. And at the end of the list of questions is “What is the therapist’s philosophy to wellness?” or “What issues are you looking to address in therapy?” While financial aspects are certainly important for the client to know, it may increase their perception of a provider if those questions centric to their wellbeing- the questions typically last on the list of “questions you should ask your therapist”- are addressed up front.
People have an innate need to be seen, heard, and treated like a valuable member of society. By all means, answer their questions about billing, copays, and insurance needs, but also take a second and follow up with addressing why THEY want to be there or what they expect from you.
Word of Mouth
Another common tool being cited on how to choose a therapist is word of mouth. Multiple sources directly state to ask relatives and friends who they see and call for an introduction. This works well for the provider, granted they have clients out in circulation willing to disclose their name to others. But this isn’t necessarily the best option for the client since choosing your therapist is a highly personal experience.
If you find yourself with multiple clients that are coming to you because they were referred to you by a personal acquaintance, first off GREAT!
Second off, again, follow this up with connecting with the client more intimately. Yes, their relative/friend/coworker has a productive and beneficial relationship with you. But make sure THIS person knows that each person has different needs and you are concerned with making sure you can be a benefit for THEM.
Credentials and Online Access
Lastly, if someone is looking through Google on advice on how to pick their therapist they will also see to check credentials and look for online access (because telehealth tends to have lower copay rates). Be sure your credentials, licensure, and specialties are easily visible on your website if you have one (or databases you may be listed on). If you don’t have this information listed online, offer it when approached by a client. Transparency and openness can give the client peace of mind that you are a trustworthy provider that may increase the odds of retention. And if you don’t have a website, consider making one as this increases your searchability and access to larger client bases.
Becoming a trusted provider for a client is a weighty responsibility, and retaining that trust takes time and intention. Sometimes the match isn’t good despite the effort you make for it, and that’s OK. You’re still doing the best you can and that’s all anyone can ask for. And if you’re feeling chatty, spread some word of mouth by telling your friends or coworkers about My Psych Board so we can help you all become the successful providers we know you can be 🙂 Contact us with any questions you have today!
https://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/therapy-scaled.jpg17072560Mara Canenhttps://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logoMyPsychBoard.pngMara Canen2023-03-27 08:22:002023-03-16 15:27:32How to Retain Clients as a Therapist
Spring is in the air, the sun is starting to shed some warm rays, and the first shoots of green grass are starting to burst out of the ground. If you’re like me, the LAST thing you want to do is be cooped up inside studying. Spring fever is real! But…so are exams 🙂
Some days it feels like there’s a mental block stopping you from doing anything productive. Whether it be due to distractions, mental overload, or just plain old tired of doing the same things, everyone feels this way from time to time. And let’s be real, being where you are right now is overwhelming. If you’re prepping for boards, maybe you’re in rotations, maybe you’ve got your own practice, either way there’s a lot of stuff going on around you. Your brain can get a little worn out from everything and demand a break. That’s where a good method like the 5 minute rule can come in!
What is the 5 minute rule?
The 5 minute rule is a concept used in several therapy modalities. It’s pretty simple- all you have to do is sit and do an activity for 5 minutes. That’s it. Then you can get up, walk outside for some fresh air, check your socials, do whatever you want. YOU GET YOUR BREAK!
The next step to this rule is after a while you go back and do another 5 minutes. 5 minutes on, an interval of time off, 5 minutes on, an interval of time off,– you get the point. Even though it doesn’t seem like you can do much in 5 minutes, you’d be surprised how far into a question bank you can get or how far into a chapter you can read in that much time. Especially when you’ve come back to it a few times!
So if the springtime song of birds are calling you to run outside, or the spring fever cleaning bug is making you want to reorganize your house, you can let it! Just slip in those 5 minutes throughout the day and you won’t get too off track.
Curious how far into a bank you CAN get in 5 minutes? Give our question banks a try- FREE- using our Free Trial! Jump on Test Mode and get a feel for how the timed version of exams work. Want more material to work with? Check out our Question Banks and find the perfect fit for you! Or, contact us with any questions you have so we can help you get your 5 minutes in!
https://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/5-minutes-scaled.jpg17072560Mara Canenhttps://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logoMyPsychBoard.pngMara Canen2023-03-20 06:07:002023-03-09 18:26:15How the 5 minute rule can help YOU!
You need water and sunlight…you’re kind of like a houseplant with more complicated emotions 😉
In the coming days, most of the continental U.S. will adopt Daylight Savings Time (DST). From March to approximately November, most people will lose a whole hour of sleep by moving the clocks forward one hour. Because of this shift, those individuals will be exposed to less morning sunlight and more evening sunlight.
If you feel like your whole body is dragging for days, or even weeks, following this time change you’re not alone. Losing an hour of sleep may sound insignificant, but as most parents of small children and exhausted students cramming for exams can attest, that precious 60 minutes makes a huge difference.
The disruption of your circadian rhythm can lead to a host of difficulties including increase in depression, slow metabolism, cluster headaches, and weight gain. Further, in the weeks following DST there’s a noted spike in fatal car accidents, strokes, digestive and immune related diseases, and risk of heart attacks. AND…who wants to study when they feel like they can’t stay awake? It can make you feel more awake at night instead of during the day and then your whole schedule is out the window.
Daylight Savings Savers
This transition is difficult, but there are things you can do to help if you know you are particularly effected by the time change.
Maintain your sleep hygiene. If you have a solid sleep routine, be sure to keep on top of it during the time change. If you regularly journal or read before lights out, or whatever the ritual may be, be sure to start that process one hour sooner than normal to trigger the same conditioning.
Get outside in the morning! Depending on your geographical location, this may be easier said than done. However, if you can get out into the morning sunlight for just a little while that can help keep your circadian rhythm intact, or at least less skewed. Too cold where you live? Some people find benefit of using a sunlight lamp!
Try a morning workout routine. This involves the brute force of physical activity to wake up your body and reset your internal clock. Some people find a morning run refreshing, some people would rather crawl in a hole than do that. It’s all about balance 🙂
Do you bounce back from the DST transition, or do you find it difficult to function for a while? We want to help you either way. Let us help you get studying back on rhythm by trying out our Question Banks and find the best option for you! Or Contact us with any questions you have so we can help you set up a plan to help you reset your individual exam prepping clock.
https://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/daylight.jpg23632363Mara Canenhttps://www.mypsychboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/logoMyPsychBoard.pngMara Canen2023-03-13 08:16:002023-03-02 15:54:31How to Navigate Daylight Savings This Year
